Direct Decomposition of N2O over C-Type Cubic Yb2O3-Co3O4 Catalysts

(Yb1−xCox)2O3−δ catalysts with cubic (C-type) rare-earth sesquioxide structure were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The introduction of Co2+/3+ ions into the Yb2O3 lattice resulted in an improved catalytic activity for N2O decomposition, due to the enhanced redox properties and increased amount of active sites. Among the prepared catalysts, (Yb0.90Co0.10)2O3−δ exhibited the highest activity for the decomposition of N2O, which was completely converted to N2 and O2 at 500 °C. Moreover, (Yb0.90Co0.10)2O3−δ also showed high durability in the presence of H2O, O2, or CO2.